What is Penile Plaque? (FAQ)

When you hear the word “plaque” chances are you think of gum disease or heart disease. But there is another disease associated with a plaque buildup in a part of your body you may not think of – your penis!

Penile plaque is the root cause of Peyronie’s Disease. Men with Peyronie’s Disease have a curved, bent, or crooked penis. That curvature is caused by “penile plaque,” or scar tissue that forms below the surface of the skin of the shaft of your penis.

Sometimes the curve does not interfere with normal sexual relations. In fact, I have had mean with a curved penis tell me their partners even find it cute, or sexy. But, if the curve does not allow you to engage in normal sexual relations, if it is painful, or gets worse over time, it is likely caused by penile plaque and is a sign of Peyronie’s Disease.

Doctors are not 100% sure what causes the plaque to form that causes the uncomfortable curved penis typical of Peyronie’s.

The latest research on Peyronie’s disease seems to suggest that the plaque forms after some kind of repeated bending, bumping or other kind of trauma to the penis. Men with Peyronie’s often do not remember a specific injury, but are commonly involved in sports such as mountain biking, horseback riding, or motorcycle riding, which can contribute to the condition. Vigorous masturbation, or sexual activity has also been linked to Peyronie’s. There could be a genetic predisposition to developing Peyronie’s, and this could explain why some men heal fine from such injuries, and others develop the penile plaque typical of the condition.

Doctors researching Peyronie’s, have discovered that many men with the condition, also have high cholesterol, diabetes, and/or heart disease. Therefore, there may be a connection to the buildup of penile plaque in these men, to the same kinds of circularity difficulties that lead to buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries. It stands to reason that the diet and lifestyle that could lead to plaque in the coronary arties, can also lead to the buildup of the penile plaque typical of Peyronie’s. However, more research is needed before we can draw that definitive conclusion.

How Do I Know If I Have Penile Plaque?

If you have a lump or a bump on the shaft of your penis, you should see you doctor. While it is likely the penile plaque characteristic of Peyronie’s, there are some rare forms of cancer that could also start out as a bump or lump on the penis.

In addition, there are men who are simply born with a naturally curved penis. It is very important to be able to tell the symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease from a congenital curvature of the penis. Here are some of the ways to tell if you may have Peyronie’s Disease.

The curvature to your penis seemed to happen very suddenly, and is getting more pronounced over time

The curve in your penis is accompanied by pain or discomfort

Your penis curves very noticeably and consistently turned to one side, up, or down

The curve in your penis is accompanied by erectile dysfunction

The Curve in your penis is interfering with your ability to engage in sexual relations

Not all the problems with Peyronie’s Disease are physical. The issues surrounding Peyronie’s disease can also often cause depression, performance anxiety, and low self-esteem, all of which can contribute to performance issues and erectile dysfunction.